stiff pole techniques

[LHSVaulterJJR]

ive heard from multiple sources that even though we are using flexible poles. the form should not change whatsoever from the originally derived stiff pole vaulting techniques. obviously the technique has to vary in order to work effectivley. and this statement is about 90percent true. what are your thoughts on the issue?

[sooch90]

Not to jam the bottom arm into the pole to create more bend. Get a free takeoff and drive UP. Keep the swing moving throughout the vault.

[2-15-46]

the bottom hand slid up to meet the top hand and the left arm was on the outside of the pole, not on the inside...... steel vaulters had lots of bruises on the left side of the chest(being right handed that is)

[vault3rb0y]

Refering to vitals, it is true. Take off angle and position are the same, more drive knee in current vault to emphasize swing. But in both models your hips start moving and do not stop until you are pushing over the bar. Your hands stay over your head as much as possible, supported by your top hand. Your bottom hand just guides.

Interestingly enough, bubkas effective pole grip (the distance from his top hand to the bottom of the box at MAXIMUM bend) is about the same as those of warmerdam and the great stiff pole vaulters. The only real difference is that now, the energy of our take off and swing can be put into the pole and not dissappear through the pressure of your top hand on the pole. If you feel a ton of pressure on your top hand when you vault, you are losing some energy.